Choosing the right bra

Bra, Bra, Bra

Trying to find the right bra while you’re pregnant may seem impossible. Not only are your breasts changing size and shape regularly, but at times they can be sore—making you feel like wearing no bra at all!

While you can simply buy a larger bra during pregnancy, most OB-GYNs and midwives recommend wearing a nursing bra instead. Your breasts will likely go through various cup sizes, especially during your last trimester and after childbirth. If you nurse, your breasts will be larger as your milk supply changes to meet your newborn’s needs, and your breast size should stabilize as you and your baby get into a regular feeding schedule. Fortunately, nursing bras can be adjusted to accommodate changing cup and band sizes of pregnancy and nursing.

How are nursing bras different from regular bras?

Nursing bras are made for comfort and accessibility—but they don’t have to be unfeminine or ugly. Today’s bra manufacturers understand that women want the same kind of appeal with their nursing bras that they do with their pre-pregnancy intimate apparel.

Like regular bras, nursing bras have adjustable hook-and-eye clasps in the back of the band. Whereas regular bras may only have one to three hooks to alter the band size, nursing bras usually have four, often with the hooks two-deep (top and bottom) for added support. Most nursing bra bands are also wider to lift milk-laden breasts.